Monument record 503/0/48 - Post Medieval & Modern Pits, Including A Post Medieval Horse Burial

{1} In the western end of the trench was an undated pit with steep sides of 80 degrees with a flat base measuring 0.7m in diameter and 0.6m deep.

{2} Three of the five pits were clearly used for the disposal of whole or partial horse carcasses, during the Post-Medieval period. The remaining two pits were of unknown function although one was clearly modern and machine cut. One of the Post-Medieval pits contained a horse burial.
Specialist analysis of the horse bones recovered from the site indicated that the animals were generally of a robust, very large stature. In some cases the condition of the vertabrae indicated that the animals had been used for traction, and carrying heavy loads. Both these points suggest that these were working animals, which are known to have become more popular during the middle and latter part of the Post-Medieval period.
The midlands region was associated with the breeding and use of the large black old English Horse during the 18th century and the Shire horse by the late 18th century. The beasts recovered on this site are likely to have been of these types. It was also noted that Northamptonshire, and neighbouring Leicestershire, have a strong tradition of hunting, an activity which requires robust horses. The animals recovered from thi site may also have had a connection to this site.

<1> Atkins R., 2001, An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment And Trial Excavation At The Shoulder Of Mutton, High Street,, Sections 4.2 to 4.3.2 Concl 6.3 (Report). SNN101382.

<2> Abrams J., 2003, Archaeological Recording Action: The Shoulder of Mutton Public House, High Street, Welford, p.24 (checked) (Report). SNN103967.

Record last edited

Jun 15 2011 3:09PM